Automatic countertop access port and method of use thereof

ABSTRACT

An automatic countertop trash access port with automatic cover, wherein the access port comprises a sensor that recognizes when waste is approaching the cover, and wherein the sensor activates a solenoid to open the cover to permit waste to drop through the access port into a trash container therebelow, thereby avoiding the need for a user to make contact with the trash access port. Prior to passing into the trash container, trash may be shredded, compacted and/or ground via a disposal mechanism. A locking mechanism to retain the cover open or closed may also be provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to counter access to wastecontainers, and more specifically to an automatic countertop accessport, wherein the automatic countertop access port senses wasteapproaching a cover plate thereof and automatically activates to disposeof the waste to a container below the counter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Home kitchens typically have a trash receptacle located therein. Accessto such receptacles is often required to be immediate and must beaccomplished without full use of on or both hands. Accordingly, suchreceptacles are typically in the open for unobstructed access. However,trash containers detract from the aesthetic appearance of the kitchenand it is usually desired that such receptacles be placed out of view,if possible. Unfortunately, placing such a trash receptacle out of viewtypically obstructs access to the receptacle, resulting in difficulty ofplacing trash therein.

In addition to home kitchens, fast food restaurants have similar, butmore complex, problems with disposal of trash, including food. Fast foodrestaurants typically serve their customers by placing food and/orbeverages on a tray. Napkins, residual food, disposable utensils andfood packaging remain on the tray and require disposal. Typically, apatron who has finished eating takes their tray to a trash receptacleand pushes the door of the trash receptacle inward, inserting portionsof the tray into the trash receptacle opening. Empty trays aresubsequently deposited place on the top of, or near, the trashreceptacle for recovery by restaurant staff.

Some fast food restaurants utilize a swinging side access door to atrash receptacle, while others utilize such a door disposed in the topof the receptacle. A trash receptacle, whether in a home kitchen or fastfood restaurant, typically comprises a removable container with a trashbag disposed therewithin.

Unfortunately, fast food restaurant patrons must typically utilize theirhand to push open the swinging door of the trash receptacle, and, at thesame time, the patron must utilize their other hand to hold the tray andinsert the tray into the trash receptacle opening, wherein trash,including food, remaining on the tray is deposited into a trashcontainer below the receptacle opening.

Additionally, residual food on the trays often contacts the door of thetrash receptacle, resulting in an unsanitary condition, and it isundesirable for a patron to touch such door when disposing of food.Occasionally, a patron may even drop a tray into the trash receptacle,resulting in economic loss to the restaurant.

Further, some patrons may find it difficult to carry out theaforementioned actions to simultaneously open the trash receptacle doorand clear trash from their tray. Young children and handicapped ordisabled patrons may find it difficult to dispose of trash on their trayinto such a conventional trash receptacle. Moreover, for some disabledpatrons, it may be impossible to operate a typical trash receptacle.Some trash may easily fall to the ground or remain on the tray.

Various attempts have unsuccessfully been made to overcome theaforementioned disadvantages. One such invention comprises an auxiliarystructure enclosure for a receptacle or receptacles for holdingrecyclable waste that can be attached to a building. While the enclosureconceals a receptacle or receptacles, it is external to a building, thusrequiring additional space.

Other attempts to overcome the problems associated with trash disposalcomprise a pivotally-mounted plate/lid to permit a horizontaldisposition above a top inlet opening of a trash receptacle. To open,downward manual force must be applied to the swinging plate, causing theplate to swing downward to open the inlet opening of the trashreceptacle. A container is positioned under the plate/opening forreceiving trash. Through counterbalance weighting or springs, the plateswings back to its normal horizontal position once pressure is relieved,thereby closing the receptacle opening. Unfortunately, such a deviceoften permits the door to contact trash thereinside and furtheraccumulates trash on surfaces of the door, wherein the door stillrequires touching by a patron/user causing sanitary concerns.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for an automaticcountertop access port with an automatic cover that maintains a trashcontainer out of sight, while providing easy access to the trashcontainer via the cover that does not require touching and applicationof force by a patron/user, wherein the cover opens and closesautomatically to permit trash to pass therethrough to a containertherebelow without contamination of the cover.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present inventionovercomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognizedneed for such a device by providing a non-contact automatic countertopaccess port and cover comprising a proximity sensor that recognizes whenwaste is approaching an access port cover, wherein the sensor activatesa solenoid to open the cover plate to permit waste to drop through theaccess port into a trash container therebelow. Prior to passing into thetrash container, trash may selectively be shredded, compacted and/orground via a disposal mechanism. The automatic countertop access portcould selectively be installed in any horizontal or vertical surface, orin surfaces between horizontal and vertical.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present inventionin its preferred form is an automatic countertop access port and coverthat opens when trash is sensed to be approaching the cover, therebyallowing the trash to fall through the access port to the containerbelow via opening of the cover by a solenoid that maintains optimumforce by pivoting as it opens the cover. Accordingly, the presentinvention prevents contamination of surfaces from contact with trash.Furthermore, the cover plate seals to a ring surface via bevel edges,providing a near air-tight seal, thereby reducing and/or eliminatingodors. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that automaticcountertop access port could be utilized for other applications whereina door is desired to be opened for passage of objects or materials otherthan trash, such as for entry to a storage container for sportsequipment, vapor or light transmission, or the like.

More specifically, the present invention is an automatic countertopaccess port preferably having a circular or oval ring and a cover plate,wherein the cover plate is activated via a linear solenoid and returnedvia a spring. A limit switch restricts over-opening of the cover plateand also starts a timer to set a delay period. Following a pre-selectedtime delay, power to solenoid is removed, and the potential energystored in the stretched spring pulls the cover plate back to the closedposition. Bumpers of metal, plastic or rubber dampen motion of the coverplate at the extremes of travel, wherein the bumpers may selectively beadjustable to facilitate alignment of the cover plate and ring.

The ring is preferably flush mounted to a counter, wherein bevellededges on the cover plate and ring make contact when the cover plate isclosed, to form an air-tight or near air-tight seal. Additionally, arubber-boot-covered locking mechanism can also be included to permitlocking the cover plate open, such as might be required when servicingthe access port or for use where it is desired to keep the access portopen continuously, such as when peeling potatoes. The locking mechanismincludes a sprung pin that engages a blindhole in a lever that connectsthe cover plate to the solenoid.

A proximity sensor is located on the ring, wherein the proximity sensordetects motion and/or proximity of trash approaching the automaticcountertop access port. The sensor activates a linear solenoid, openingthe cover plate before the arrival of trash at the automatic countertopaccess port, thereby permitting trash to fall through the aperture intoa trash container therebelow. The solenoid comprises a body with apiston, and the body has a base end opposite the piston end, wherein thesolenoid pivots at both the piston end and the base end of the solenoidto maintain the force from the solenoid piston directed from the cover,thereby applying maximum pulling force to the cover.

A level sensor detects when the container is full and providesindication of such status via an indicator. The indicator typicallyincludes one or more lights or an audible sound or sounds of differentpitch or duration, and selectively provides indication of differentlevels of trash within the container, as sensed by the level sensor.

The proximity and level sensors could be any suitable sensing device,such as, for exemplary purposes only, infrared, radio frequency,ultrasonic, light beam, imaging, or like sensors.

Additionally, a shedder, compactor and/or disposal may be provided belowthe aperture to operate on the trash prior to its passage into thecontainer. Once full, the container may be removed from below thecounter via an access door.

Thus, the present invention provides automatic opening of the coverplate to avoid the need for human contact, thereby enhancing sanitaryuse of trash containers.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to sense the proximity of approaching trash and to dispose ofsame.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability toautomatically open to receive trash without contamination of the devicecover from contact with the trash.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to permit trash to be shredded, ground via a disposal and/orcompacted.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to be mechanically locked open or closed.

Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to sense the level of trash in a container.

A further feature and advantage of the present invention is its abilityto provide a tightly sealed surface.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent to one skilled in the art from the followingdescription and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the DetailedDescription of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments withreference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like referencenumerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout,and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic countertop access portaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showninstalled in a countertop;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an automatic countertop access portaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shownclosed;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an automatic countertop access portaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shownpartially opened;

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of an automatic countertop access portaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shownfully opened;

FIG. 3A is a detail side view of an automatic countertop access portaccording to preferred and alternate embodiments of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 3B is a detail side view of a solenoid locking component of anautomatic countertop access port according to an alternate embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVEEMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of thepresent invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3B, specific terminology isemployed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is notintended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and itis to be understood that each specific element includes all technicalequivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similarfunctions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3A, the present invention in a preferredembodiment is an automatic countertop access port 10 preferablycomprising circular or oval ring 20, cover plate 30, lever 40, mount 50,linear solenoid 60, housing 70, spring 100 and limit switch 130, whereinlinear solenoid 60 preferably comprises body 65 and piston 80. It willbe recognized by those skilled in the art that ring 20 and cover plate30 could comprise alternate shapes, including, without limitation,square, rectangular, etc.

When closed, cover plate 30 is preferably disposed within oval ring 20,wherein cover plate 30 and oval ring 20 preferably form an air-tight ornear air-tight seal. Lever 40 preferably comprises upper spring bearing120 and upper pivot 90, wherein upper pivot 90 preferably comprises abearing and lever 40 is preferably pivotally secured via upper pivot 90to piston 80 of solenoid 60, and wherein lever 40 is preferably fixablysecured to cover plate 30. Mount 50 is preferably fixably secured tooval ring 20, wherein mount 50 preferably carries therewithin solenoid60, and wherein solenoid 60 is preferably disposed within housing 70.Body 65 of solenoid 60 is preferably pivotally secured to mount 40 vialower pivot 110, wherein lower pivot 110 preferably comprises a rollerbearing. Lever 40 could alternately be additionallypivotally-constrained within mount 50 via bearing 92.

Housing 70 preferably comprises legs 75, feet 76 and lower pivot 110,wherein feet 76 preferably comprise lower spring pivot 122. Spring 100is preferably secured to upper spring pivot 120 and lower spring pivot122, wherein spring 100 preferably provides return force for closure ofcover plate 30. Spring pivots 120, 122 preferably comprise a bearing orbushing to reduce frictional forces to spring 100, and to facilitateclosing motion of cover plate 30. It will be recognized by those skilledin the art that cover plate 30 could comprise a counterweight forclosing force, in lieu of spring 100.

Limit switch 130 is preferably disposed on mount 50, wherein limitswitch 130 is preferably contacted by cover plate 30 when cover plate 30is opened. Upon contact by cover plate 30, limit switch 130 preferablybegins a time delay period to disconnect power to solenoid 60, andfurther prevents damage to cover plate 30 and lever 40.

Ring 20 is preferably flush mounted to counter 200 and preferablycomprises aperture 140, flange 150 and rim 160. Trash sensor 250 ispreferably a proximity sensor and is disposed on ring 20, wherein trashsensor 250 preferably detects motion or proximity of trash T approachingand preferably activates linear solenoid 60 to open cover plate 30,thereby preferably pulling cover plate 30 downward to permit trash T tofall through aperture 140 into container 220 therebelow (best shown inFIG. 1). Cover plate 30 is preferably drawn downward to open via linearsolenoid 60, wherein solenoid 60 preferably pivots to maintain optimumforce throughout the opening of cover plate 30.

Level sensor 260 preferably comprises indicator 270, wherein levelsensor 260 is preferably directionally disposed toward container 220 andpreferably detects when container 220 is full, thereby preferablyproviding indication of such status via indicator 270. Indicator 270typically preferably comprises one or more lights 275, wherein lights275 could selectively provide indication of different levels of trash Twithin container 220 sensed by level sensor 260. It will be recognizedby those skilled in the art that other indicators, such as, forexemplary purposes only, audible sounds, could be utilized in lieu oflights 275. Sensors 250, 260 preferably comprise any suitable sensingdevice, such as, for exemplary purposes only, infrared, radio frequency,ultrasonic, light beam, imaging, or like sensors.

Bumpers 400, 410 are preferably disposed on ring 20 and preferablydampen motion of cover plate 30 via contact with lever 40 at theextremes of travel thereof. Bumpers 400, 410 preferably comprise slopedsurfaces 420, 430, respectively. Bumpers 400, 410 preferably comprisemetal or, alternately could comprise rubber. Sloped surface 420preferably makes contact with lever 40 when cover plate 30 is fullyclosed, wherein sloped surface 420 preferably comprises rubber coating421. Sloped surface 430 preferably makes contact with lever 40 whencover plate 30 is fully open, wherein sloped surface 430 preferablycomprises rubber coating 431.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 3A, rim 20 preferably comprisesbevel 25 and cover plate 30 preferably comprises bevel 35. In the fullyclosed state shown in FIG. 3, bevel 35 of cover plate 30 is preferablydisposed proximate bevel 25 of ring 20, thereby forming a near air-tightseal. Bevels 25, 35 preferably comprise rubber coating 26, 36 to providean efficient seal and dampen sound.

To install, automatic countertop access port 10 is preferably disposedwithin counter 200, wherein ring 20 rests on and within opening 240 incounter 200. Automatic countertop access port 10 preferably providesaperture 140 for passage of trash T through counter 200 into container220 therebelow. A shedder, compactor and/or disposal 210 may selectivelybe provided below aperture 140 to perform desired actions on trash Tprior to its passage into container 220. Container 220 may be removedfrom below counter 200 via access door 230.

In use, trash T is preferably sent to the vicinity of cover plate 30,wherein sensor 250 preferably detects the presence of trash T andactivates solenoid 60, thereby preferably opening cover plate 30 andpermitting trash T to pass through aperture 140. After a pre-selectedtime delay, power to solenoid 60 is preferably removed, and potentialenergy stored in stretched spring 100 preferably pulls cover plate 30back to the closed position shown in FIG. 2A. It will be recognized bythose skilled in the art that cover plate 30 could alternately be openedby remote control.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 3A, in an alternate embodimentof the present invention, automatic countertop access port 10 couldcomprise locking mechanism 300, wherein locking mechanism 300 comprisesthreaded body 310, pin 320, spring 330, flange 350 and rubber boot 360.Bumpers 400, 410 comprise ridges 440 and are disposed proximate threadedbody 310 of locking mechanism 300. Pin 320 is slidably disposed withinthreaded body 310, wherein spring 330 is disposed over pin 320. Spring330 is retained via flange 350 and ridges 440, wherein spring 330 tendsto urge pin 320 to its original position subsequent to removal ofdepressive force. Rubber boot 360 is disposed over pin 320 and threadedbody 310 to prevent moisture incursion to locking mechanism 300.

Pin 320 selectively engages blindhole 380 in lever 40, wherein coverplate 30 is rendered immobile while pin 320 is so engaged. Interferencebetween pin 320 and blindhole 380 under tension of spring 100 acting onlever 40 holds pin 320 within blindhole 380 overcoming the urging forceof spring 330. Slightly tapping on cover plate 30 releases interferenceand permits pin 320 to retract and withdraw from blindhole 380, therebypermitting spring 100 to close cover plate 30.

In a further alternate embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.3B, locking mechanism 300 could comprise second solenoid 440 secured viaholddown 445 and fasteners 446, wherein solenoid piston 450 replaces pin320, and wherein solenoid piston 450, upon activation via a switch,engages blindhole 380. In a further alternate embodiment, secondsolenoid 440 could drive pin 320, wherein solenoid piston 450 is incommunication with pin 320. Alternately, second solenoid 440 could bemounted below ring 20 and adapted to engage blindhole 380 via a linkage.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodimentsof the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the artthat the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various otheralternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within thescope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps ofa method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on theorder of the steps of that method. Many modifications and otherembodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the artto which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in ageneric and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specificembodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the followingclaims.

1. An automatic countertop access port comprising: a pivotally-operatingaccess cover plate; a pivotally-mounted linear solenoid.
 2. Theautomatic countertop access port of claim 1, further comprising a trashproximity sensor.
 3. The automatic countertop access port of claim 1,further comprising a trash level sensor.
 4. The automatic countertopaccess port of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism.
 5. Theautomatic countertop access port of claim 1, further comprising a meansfor dampening motion.
 6. The automatic countertop access port of claim1, further comprising a means for limiting opening of said cover plate.7. The automatic countertop access port of claim 1, wherein said coverplate further comprises a means for providing an air-tight seal.
 8. Theautomatic countertop access port of claim 7, further comprising abeveled edge of said cover plate and a ring having a second bevelededge, wherein said beveled edge of said cover plate sealedly engagessaid second beveled edge.
 9. The automatic countertop access port ofclaim 1, further comprising a device selected from the group consistingof disposals, shredders, compactors, and combinations thereof.
 10. Theautomatic countertop access port of claim 1, further comprising a meansfor urging a cover plate to close.
 11. The automatic countertop accessport of claim 1, wherein said linear solenoid is adapted to providemaximum pulling force to said cover plate.
 12. The automatic countertopaccess port of claim 1, further comprising a means for signaling a fullcapacity status for a trash container disposed under said automaticcountertop access port.
 13. A method of depositing trash in a trashcontainer, said method comprising the steps of: a. sensing objectsapproaching an access door; and b. opening said access door to permitsaid objects to pass through an aperture.
 14. The method of claim 13,further comprising the step of: opening said access door prior toarrival of trash at said access door.
 15. The method of claim 13,further comprising the step of: pivoting a solenoid to maintain optimumforce to open said access door.
 16. An automatic countertop access portcomprising: a pivotally-operating access cover plate; apivotally-mounted linear solenoid; and bevel sealing edges.
 17. Theautomatic countertop access port of claim 16, further comprising alocking mechanism.
 18. The automatic countertop access port of claim 16,further comprising a means for sensing trash in the proximity of saidpivotally-operating access cover plate.
 19. The automatic countertopaccess port of claim 18, further comprising a means for disposing ofsaid trash.
 20. The automatic countertop access port of claim 19,wherein said means for disposing is selected from the group consistingof shredders, disposals, compactors, and combinations thereof.